Expat Life in Metro Manila: What to Know
When you are an expat and plan to move to
the Philippines, you will most likely end up in Metro Manila. The capital
of the country, it is also where most businesses set up shop. It is also where
the infrastructure is most developed. To help make your move more
straightforward, here are some tips on what to expect when it comes to starting
life in the busiest place in the country.
A Proper House
Though expats technically can't own land,
foreign nationals are allowed to buy houses. This is the best option if you are
planning to stay long-term in the country. But be prepared to hunt around some
if you are looking for larger spaces. If you want to be close to metropolitan
centres, you have competition in the form of other expats and locals who want
to have convenient homes.
An easier option would be to buy a condo or
rent an apartment. There are more of these available, with condominium
development being a popular investment for many people. You can buy apartments,
as long as 60 per cent of the building is Filipino-owned. If you have a
Filipino spouse, this might be a good option.
The best way to get some accommodations
though is to hire a broker and give them some specifications. Navigating
through everything can be confusing, and a local can make it easier for you.
Travelling Around
One of the things you have to become
familiar with is transportation. Your current license can function for 90 days
before you need a local equivalent. You will also need some insurance. You will
need it since Metro Manila has a major traffic problem. Driving in the city can
be a stressful experience. Public transportation can also be difficult to
navigate if you are not used to it. It is recommended to have a guide when you
are just starting to make things easier for you.
Getting Proper Schooling
One of the worries that expats have is how
their children will get a proper education in the country. Fortunately, that
should be easy. Several international schools will be ready to accommodate your
kids, no matter what age they are. There is also a healthy variety among them,
so no matter what type of schooling they had, they should be able to continue
in their school easily.
As for private schools, instruction is
available in both Filipino and English, so it should be simple to find a local
private school that will be good for your kids. As for further education, there
are colleges and international schools in the Philippines that offer
baccalaureate programs for expatriates. Admission
requirements are easy to meet, and your children should be able to start in no
time.
Start Your New Life Right
Metro Manila is a great place to live, with
all the amenities that you need for a comfortable life. But it does have its
ups and downs. The guide above should give you an idea of what to expect so
that you can be ready for it. With the advanced warning, you should be able to
avoid many of the pitfalls that expats face in the Philippines.